Tooth Grinding, Poor Memory, and More: 5 Surprising Facts About ADHD

Although ADHD is a common childhood disorder that can persist into adulthood, there are many unknown facts about the condition. Find out what too much sugar, tooth grinding, and poor memory have to do with ADHD.

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Attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects 3 to 7 percent of school-aged
children. And while the number of children who receive an ADHD diagnosis
increases every day, there are still many little-known facts out there that
most parents don’t know. Understanding all aspects of ADHD is important, because
research shows that the childhood disorder can persist into adulthood, and adults
with untreated ADHD have higher than average rates of divorce, unemployment,
substance abuse, and disability. Check out these five surprising facts about
ADHD that can help you better understand your child’s condition:

1. Tooth
Grinding Is Linked to ADHD

Turns
out your child’s ADHD anxiety doesn’t sleep when your kid does. Research suggests
that children with the habit of involuntarily grinding their teeth, known as bruxism,
are more likely to develop anxiety, stress and hyperactivity, and bruxism has
also been linked to ADHD.

A
2009 study published in Sleep found that teens diagnosed with ADHD earlier in
life were more likely to have sleep problems and disorders, such as such as
insomnia, sleep terrors, snoring, and bruxism. The study, which involved 281
children between 10 and 17 years old with ADHD and 185 similar children who did
not have the condition, revealed these sleep problems occurred regardless of
the severity of the teens’ ADHD symptoms.

2.
ADHD Is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Diagnosis

There
is more than one type of ADHD. In fact, there are three types, and diagnosis
depends on the visible ADHD symptoms:

Inattentiveness: Includes not listening when
spoken to, being easily distracted, having trouble paying attention and
organizing activities, and avoiding activities that require focus and
concentration.

Hyperactivity: Includes fidgeting, excessive and
inappropriate running or climbing when it's not appropriate, trouble with quiet
play or activities.

Impulsivity: Includes having trouble waiting,
saying inappropriate things without thinking, or interrupting.

Only
some kids with ADHD are hyperactive. Others, particularly girls, may be calm,
but have a form of ADHD that makes it harder for them to focus or pay
attention. The American Psychiatric Association established guidelines based on
these three types to help doctors more accurately diagnose and treat
ADHD.

3.
ADHD Is Often Mistaken for Other Conditions

A
number of other health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and certain types
of learning disabilities, have symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD.
Other mental disorders, such as mood disorder, personality disorder, or OCD, may also
be misdiagnosed as ADHD.

In
some cases, children's circumstances may cause them to behave in ways that can
be misinterpreted as ADHD. As a result, doctors must determine whether or not a
sudden change or stressor in children's lives — such as the death of
a family member or divorce — is affecting their behavior.

4.
ADHD Is Associated With Short-Term Memory Problems

Although
they do not have problems with long-term memories, people with ADHD may have
impaired short-term — or working — memory, research shows.
As a result, they may have difficulty remembering assignments or completing
tasks that require focus or concentration.

A
2012 review published in Clinical Psychology Review found that children with
ADHD have statistically significant, large magnitude working memory problems
compared to similar children who did not have ADHD.

5.
Sugar and TV Do Not Cause ADHD

Although
sugar intake, watching too much TV, and a chaotic family life can worsen
symptoms of ADHD, research does not show they actually cause the condition.
ADHD does, however, appear to run in families. Research involving families,
twins, and children who were adopted suggest there is a strong genetic
influence in ADHD risk.

There
is no quick fix for ADHD. Although medication can help treat people’s symptoms,
it's only part of an overall ADHD treatment strategy. Behavior therapy,
including help staying organized and making positive choices, also plays a role
in managing the condition. Treatment strategies for ADHD must be monitored and
adjusted over time, just like medications.

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